Veterinary Technologist and Technician Salary in Steamboat Springs, CO: $47,628 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time veterinary technologist and technician in Steamboat Springs, CO earns a median $47,628/year (≈ $22.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Once you factor in Steamboat Springs's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $45,360 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.7% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, veterinary technologists and technicians in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, can expect a median annual salary of $47,628, which reflects a slightly lower compensation compared to the national median of $49,986. The local salary range spans from $36,602 at the 10th percentile to as high as $61,064 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost-of-living disparities. For individuals who pursue the VTS specialty credential, particularly in Emergency and Critical Care (ECC) or anesthesia, the potential to command higher wages becomes evident in this market. Specialty certification can significantly enhance earning opportunities, setting the stage for competitive salaries amid the growing demand for skilled veterinary care.
About the Steamboat Springs Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,602 | $17.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,770 | $20.08 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,628 | $22.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,616 | $26.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,064 | $29.36 |
Median Salary Position
4.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Steamboat Springs
In Steamboat Springs, CO, the veterinary technologist and technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,462 (2026 est.). At $47,628, the local median is 4.72% below the national median of $49,986.
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At 40 hours/week in Steamboat Springs: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Steamboat Springs Veterinary Technologist and Technician Pay Compares
Steamboat Springs median: $47,628/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Steamboat Springs Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $50,507 | -5.70% less |
| National Average | $49,986 | -4.72% less |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Steamboat Springs, CO earn a median of $47,628 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.72% lower than the national median of $49,986 and 5.70% below the Colorado state average of $50,507.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Steamboat Springs has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Steamboat Springs, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $47,628 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,360 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,654
2025 BLS Actual
$45,145
2026 Current Est.
$47,628
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Salary Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Steamboat Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,654 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,550 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,112 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,436 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,677 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,585 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,145 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,628 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,248 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Steamboat Springs metropolitan area, the median veterinary technologist and technician salary grew 34.1% from $33,654 (2019) to $45,145 (2025). At a 5.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,248 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,594 (49.31%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Steamboat Springs metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $36,602 – $41,770 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,770 – $47,628 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,628 – $55,616 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,616 – $61,064 |
Vet Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual veterinary technologist and technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Job Market in Steamboat Springs
As of the latest estimates, there are four veterinary technologists and technicians employed in Steamboat Springs, highlighting a niche yet significant market within the local economy. The cost of living index in the area stands at 105, indicating that residing here requires careful budgeting, especially when factoring in housing and other expenses. Employers in this region range from general practices to corporate chain hospitals and specialty referral centers, with corporate chains like VCA tending to offer structured pay scales that can lead to competitive wages. However, the highest salaries often come from specialty hospitals, particularly those that require advanced skills aligned with the VTS credential. To maximize earning potential in Steamboat Springs, technicians should focus on obtaining specialty certifications, seeking roles in emergency facilities, negotiating for advanced or lead positions, and being open to shift work, which can often come with additional pay differentials.
More salary data for Steamboat Springs, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can veterinary technologists and technicians make $100K in Steamboat Springs?
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Written by Jordan Lee, CVT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $45,145 for veterinary technologists and techniciansin the Steamboat Springs metropolitan area. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Steamboat Springs is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov